Proving #ThisGirlCan....Run in Kent!

"If I can, then anyone can!" These were the words uttered by Julie, a member of the 'Just Joggers' running group in Maidstone, Kent.

Julie recently signed up to a 10 week Just Joggers course led by qualified Leader, Run Coach and Personal Trainer, Emma Goodman, which culminates in a 5k non-stop run around the beautiful Mote Park in the centre of Maidstone.

Julie commented, "Emma is so patient, even putting up with my running moans.  I really had a fear of running but I'm actually starting to enjoy it and I know she'll help me achieve my 5k goal. Believe me, if I can do it, then anyone can!"

Emma offers a variety of sessions throughout the week catering for all abilities including buggy fitness for new Mums, Just Joggers for beginners and Jogging On sessions for those that want to focus on improving their 5k times.

Her Just Jogger 10 week courses take place every 3 months to help anyone who wants to progress from walking to jogging.  The Group meets every Sunday at 9am in Mote Park. 

Emma said, "Yesterday saw my current Just Joggers Group complete week 6 of their 10 week course.  Everyone is doing so well.  The course isn't just about achieving the 5k goal though, it's about helping people to run further than they did in Week 1.  Ultimately I just want them to make running part of their weekly routine so they keep coming back for more. And it's great to see them starting to enjoy it!"

Groups are kept deliberately small (max. 12 people) to ensure everyone receives personal coaching, support and encouragement. Everyone is amazed by the progress that is made in a relatively short amount of time.  Emma has set up a private Facebook page where a community atmosphere is encouraged so that members can help motivate and inspire each other.

Lucy Tomlinson, Run Kent Activator said, "Emma's variety of sessions show how easy it is to offer something for everyone when it comes to running.  Here in Kent, we're proud to be supporting the #thisgirlcan campaign to encourage more women to take up running, not matter what life stage they're at.  80% of our Run Leaders/Coaches are women so they know firsthand what it's like to juggle family, work, life.  By understanding these demands, they offer sessions that work for women of all abilities."

Jo-Anna, a Just Jogger 'graduate' said, "2 years ago I attended Emma's Buggy Fitness sessions, then, fast forward to last year and I reluctantly joined Just Joggers.  I don't see myself as a natural runner so I was convinced I would fail!  However, with Emma's personal encouragement and great training techniques I managed the full 5k at the end of the 10 week course... In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I carried on running & joined the ‘Jogging On’ sessions.... I ran my second 10k race last weekend and I credit Emma for getting me started on this journey!"

• If you'd like to start your own running journey, why not sign up to Emma's next JustJogging course at http://www.preandpostnatalexercise.co.uk/runninggroups/
• Or click here to find a registered Run England group near you that offers similar sessions.